Our Staff

Andrew Messenger, D.O.

Dr. Messenger received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Western Michigan University and his medical degree from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then went on to complete his internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, MI. Following his residency, Dr. Messenger decided to practice family medicine and joined the initial group of physicians who established Clinton County Medical Center.

A Board Certified Family Practitioner, Dr. Messenger is the owner of Clinton County Medical Center. He is also an active staff member at Sparrow Clinton Hospital in St. Johns, MI. When he’s not in the office, Dr. Messenger can be found exercising, piloting small aircraft or spending time with his wife, Vicki, and their four children.

Dr. Messenger is licensed to prescribe SUBOXONE®, a prescription medicine that is part of a program to treat persons with addictions to and dependencies on narcotics.

Lars P. Andersen, Jr., D.O.

Dr. Andersen received his undergraduate degree at Huntington College in Indiana and graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. He completed his internship at Carson City Hospital in Michigan and is a Board Certified Family Practitioner. Dr. Andersen has been caring for patients in the St. Johns area since 1975 and continues to be an active affiliate at Sparrow Clinton Hospital in St. Johns, MI.

Dr. Andersen enjoyed visiting Russia twice on mission trips with the First Baptist Church in St. Johns. He and his wife, Kathy, have three children and reside in St. Johns. Dr. Andersen enjoys going north to Suttons Bay with his family and participating in a variety of outdoor sports.

Taylor Thelen, D.O.

Dr. Thelen was raised in Westphalia, MI and attended Michigan State University for both his undergraduate and medical school studies. He received his doctorate from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing his Family Practice residency at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI, Dr. Thelen was excited to return to the Mid-Michigan area to practice. Dr. Thelen enjoys running, biking, and golfing when he’s not spending time with his wife, Chelsea, and their four children.

Dr. Thelen is currently licensed to prescribe SUBOXONE, a prescription medicine that is part of a program to treat persons with addictions to and dependencies on narcotics.

P. David Minnick, D.O.

Dr. Paul D Minnick is a Family Practice Specialist. He graduated with honors from Michigan State University College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1989. Having more than 28 years of diverse experiences, especially in family practice. Dr. Minnick affiliates with many hospitals and cooperates with referring physicians to give his patients the highest quality care.

Maria A. Thelen, RN, P.A.-C

Maria received her Bachelor in Nursing from Ferris State University and her Master in Science as a Physician Assistant (PA) from the University of Detroit. Prior to earning her master’s, Maria worked as an RN at Sparrow Health System and St. Joseph Mercy – Oakland.

Maria has been a Physician Assistant at CCMC since 2004 and is very happy to be working in her hometown of St. Johns. Maria enjoys spending time with her three children and relaxing in the Upper Peninsula at Whitefish Bay.

Bryanna Weber, P.A.-C, R.D.

Bryanna received both her undergraduate degree in dietetics and her Master of Science as a Physician Assistant from Central Michigan University. Prior to her master’s, Bryanna worked as a dietitian at the University of Michigan Hospital. Along with seeing patients at CCMC, she also leads our team of registered nurses in our PCMH initiatives to help provide the most comprehensive care possible. Bryanna resides in St. Johns and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and outdoor activities.

Kristin Tuchek, P.A.-C

Kristine received her Master of Science as a Physician Assistant from Wayne State University in 2000. With years of experience working in local emergency departments in mid-Michigan Kristine has found her niche working in urgent care settings.

She joined the CCMC family in December 2014 as a key member in the development and execution of OUCH Urgent Care. Her extensive background in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Cares makes Kristine a perfect fit as OUCH’s primary provider.

Justin Morris, P.A.-C

Justin received his undergraduate degree in biomedical science Master of Science as a Physician Assistant at Central Michigan University. He was raised in Williamston, MI and has lived in St. Johns for more than a decade. During his training, Justin had the opportunity to take part in a medical mission trip to Sierra Leone, Africa. Justin spends much of his free time outdoors hunting, fishing, biking and snowboarding. He is excited to be practicing family medicine in St. Johns, and proud to be part of a great community.

Kevin Bazan, DPT

Kevin attended undergraduate studies at Hope College, earning his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish. He then attended the University of Michigan – Flint to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

A certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner and credentialed clinical instructor, Kevin has vast experience in outpatient, inpatient and skilled facilities care with an emphasis in orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics and sports therapies.

Kevin is passionate about helping people resume their normal daily activities with less pain. He believes a healthier lifestyle, with proper mechanics and education is important to pain reduction and provided professional quality care for throughout your recovery processes.

Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife and three girls. He also likes being active outside, boating, fishing and caring for his honeybees.

Lois Rodgers, DPT

Lois received her Bachelor of Health Science, Master in Physical Therapy and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan. She specializes in helping people move their best, with a special focus on manual therapy, pain reduction and orthopedics. She enjoys spending time with her five children, four step-children and 14 grandchildren.

Kim Hayes, PTA

Kim attended Davenport University and graduated from the Physical Therapy Assistant program. She has been treating patients since 1997 in areas such as outpatient, inpatient and aquatic therapy. Kim was raised in Ithaca, MI and enjoys working in the community. When she’s not at work, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, and her three children. Kim also participates in the youth group at her church, and stays active by walking, biking and strength training.

Lance Hunt, PTA

Lance attended Baker College of Flint where he earned his Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Business Administration and continues to build on his education through practice and seminars. He is a skilled physical therapy assistant, with a focus on the use of all modalities, manual therapy, neuromuscular taping and therapeutic exercises. Lance lives in Ovid, MI and enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his wife and four children.

Timothy M. Higgins, HCP, HAD

Timothy is a graduate of Michigan State University and provides hearing care, balance testing and vision care to Clinton County residents. His favorite part of being a provider is seeing his patients’ faces light up with joy when they can finally hear what they’ve been missing. From hearing the voices of grandchildren to the song of birds to the sermons on Sunday morning, better hearing has truly made an impact on the lives of his patients.

When he’s not in the office, Timothy enjoys landscaping, gardening and creating metal sculptures. He is a long-time resident of Elsie, MI where he lives with his wife, Susan, and their three children Sarah, Ella and Jonathon.

Brad Messenger, LLMSW

Brad graduated from Michigan State University School of Clinical Social Work with his master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy. Brad spent time working for St. Vincent Catholic Charities and Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative where he witnessed the remarkable effects talk therapy has on physically and mentally ill patients. Not long after, Brad joined forces with CCMC and established CCMC Psychological Services.

When he’s not in session, you can find Brad participating in martial arts classes or at home with his wife, Julianne, two kids, and their four pets Peter, Luna, Zoe and Squeeker.

Jessica Charron, Psy.D, LP

Jessica graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s in Psychology and received her master’s from the Center for Humanistic Studies. Jessica then acquired a Doctor of Psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology.

Following school, Jessica trained at a private practice in Farmington Hills and also performed in-home therapy for foster care in Detroit. Jessica has been with CCMC Psychological Services since they opened their doors in 2010.

In her spare time, she enjoys singing karaoke, playing disc golf, cooking and rollerblading.

Robert E. Cartwright, MA, LLP

Robert E. Cartwright earned his Bachelor and Master of Arts at Wayne State University. He then went on to teach at public schools. The eagerness to understand why students had problems in learning and behavior fueled Robert’s decision to go back to school for his master’s degree in Clinical and School Psychology. Robert has taught psychology at Cleary University, was Coordinator of the Psychology Lab at Wayne State University and practiced clinical psychology at Ford Hospital.

Robert has been a psychotherapist at CCMC Psychological Services since they opened their doors in 2010. Robert specializes in testing, literacy, ADHD diagnosis and treatment along with psychological counseling. When Robert isn’t in the office, he enjoys various outdoor activities along with reading, watching movies and going to the theater.

Nina Whitehill, LPC

Nina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Western Michigan University – majoring in history and minoring in psychology. Nina then received her Master of Arts degree in Counseling and has been trained in experiential education along with issues relating to mental health and children.

Prior to joining the CCMC Psychological team, Nina spent one year with Child and Family Services and 22 years as a school counselor. Nina enjoys working as a counselor and finds helping people understand themselves and make positive changes in their lives to be extremely rewarding.

When Nina is not in the office, you can find her working in the yard, ballroom dancing, visiting with her family – especially her granddaughter, Janie – and spending time at the cottage in the summertime.

P. Cristy Swarthout, LPC, CAADC

Cristy received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and then went on to receive her master’s degree in Counseling at University of Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ. Following her degree, Cristy became a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Cristy has also received training in Gambling Addiction and Auricular Acupuncture (ear), which is designed to detox the body and side effects from detoxing from substances.

Prior to her career with CCMC, Cristy worked with substance abuse and mental health disorders for 20 years. Cristy is married with two children and has four pets – two dogs and two cats. When she is not in the office, Cristy enjoys running, walking her dogs, watching her children play sports, watching Tigers baseball and reading.

Tracey Darling, LMSW

Tracey graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and went on to receive her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. Tracey has extensive experience working with individuals and groups of all ages, specializing in anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance abuse, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Tracey values a collaborative and engaging therapeutic relationship and enjoys partnering with individuals and families on their path toward growth and positive change.

When Tracey is not in the office, she likes running, helping out on her farm, working on various art projects and spending time with her family.

Medical Center Information

CCMC serves patients in St. Johns, MI and the surrounding communities. Same day appointments are often available – contact us for your health care needs today!